De Marchi
C+ Bib Shorts

Out of Stock

Description

De Marchi's Contour Plus Bib Shorts created a name for themselves with their dependable structure and long-distance comfort. In fact, these bib shorts are De Marchi's most popular due to a smart design that works to support the body for hours on end. For 2013, the shorts have been redefined with even more support features being made possible through a new paneling design and revamped chamois technology. And, like all De Marchi products, the Contour Plus bib shorts are handmade in Italy using Italian materials. It's something we still enjoy seeing every time we look inside the shorts and see the label, reminding us of the heritage that comes with the De Marchi name.

The C+ bib shorts were constructed using six panels of the Pro-grade, Extra Stretch Lycra fabric. This dense material incorporates a high elastane content in order to deliver a firm compressive fit around key muscle zones. Gel prints were added to these panels as to reinforce the fabric, serving to further 'anchor' the material from shifting as you ride. The quads and glutes were targeted with a generous amount of compressive support, while the areas around the inner thighs, saddle area, and cuffs have more of a gentle hold. What this gradual hold means is that you'll be comfortable during the beginning, middle, and end of a four-hour ride, as compressive fabrics shield your muscles from oscillation and road vibration. Unlike many materials with dense and compressive characteristics, De Marchi's Pro-grade Extra Stretch Lycra is very breathable and wicks moisture incredibly well. This means that besides staying supported in the saddle, you'll also remain cool and dry.

De Marchi's Pro-grade Extra Stretch Lycra composes the bibs' front straps, before blending into a carbon fiber mesh makeup for the shoulder tops and back panel. This Mesh insert provides you with the ultimate in ventilation and comfort by targeting the backside of your upper torso.

De Marchi placed an equal focus on implementing technical fabrics into the C+ as it did refining the bib shorts' fit. The goal of the new C+ was to create a pair of bib shorts with the perfect combination of freedom of movement, stability, and breathability. This contoured fit was made possible using the company's Body Framing Technology as a means to stabilize the shorts while in the cycling position. This is accomplished using pre-shaped fabric panels that closely follow the body while in motion. When sewn together, these panels form somewhat of a three dimensional shape on their own, mimicking the body before even reaching your skin. The result is a pair of bib shorts that eliminate all unnecessary material, leading to the best fit possible.

De Marchi paired its restyled C-1.3 EIT insert into the C+ bib shorts. Known as its original endurance chamois, the C-1.3 EIT incorporates super high density, ventilated cushioning elements in correspondence with the ischial bones. Additionally, two front channels of open cell foam were placed in the perineal zone, which is more compressed to accommodate your body while in the cycling position. The specific 'half-moon' seamless shaping perfectly contours to the shorts' paneling to eliminate bunching and creates a middle channel where the body stays suspended for effective pressure relief and improved blood flow.

The De Marchi C+ Bib Shorts are available in six sizes from Small to XXX-Large and in the colors Black, Black/red, and Black/blue. Please note: De Marchi relies heavily on European sizing, so please make your selection accordingly.

Here's what others have to say...

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Perfect Bibs... Almost

Gender:
Male

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

These bibs have virtually everything I look for in a bib: 1) comfortable chamois 2) comfortable in the legs (length, mostly) and shoulders (again, length), and 3) overall fit and "lightness" (I tend to ride in mostly dry, hot weather).

For the record, I'm 6'2", 200 lbs and have ordered/received XXL sized bibs (not just with these, but with Castelli, Capo, and others - see my other reviews) . So, take this with a grain of salt if your size is significantly different.

For the most part, I absolutely LOVE these bibs. They are long in the leg and fit like a glove. If you're looking for a nice tight fit, this is your ticket. If you're looking for super compression in your core/legs, maybe not.

I do find these bibs *slightly* small in length in the shoulders (ie straps). And they do seem a bit heavy. Overall, the material and shoulder width seems a bit on the wide/heavy side. It's not like they're winter-weight... just a tad too heavy for me - and remember I ride mostly in the desert.

All that said, these are still my #2 choice for bibs on virtually ANY ride. If you can get them for < $100 like I did, you'd be a fool to pass up the chance. Even though they seem a bit heavy when you first put them on, during a ride, because of the materials/ventilation, they wear like MUCH lighter bibs. Just be aware that the straps will seem "super" wide at first, then disappear during your ride.

Comment on Dave Ruben's review:

Really good shorts with a GREAT chamois

Gender:
Male

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

I didn't know what to expect with these shorts. I had read numerous positive reviews about them online but when they went on sale I decided to try them. By way of comparison, I have Pearl Izumi, Assos, Giordana and Exte Ondo shorts in my closet. The first thing I noticed about these shorts was the lycra. Its soft, very soft. Its not super compressive like the Pearl's. Its closer to the Assos lycra. I wasn't sure about it but decided to try them out. The lycra proved to be incredibly comfortable especially on long rides but the camois stole the show. If you've never tried an elastic chamois I highly recommend them. They always do what a good chamois should and provide comfort but they do it by moving with you as you ride. They never bunch and are always seem to be in the right spot and comfortable. My Assos shorts are similar - probably because they also use an elastic chamois.

I am 6'2" with a 36 in waist and the XL fits nicely. If you want a lot of compression on the thighs these may not be the shorts for you. If you want a really comfortable pair of shorts with a great chamois, I'd definitely give these a try.

Every item I've gotten from De Marchi has been of really excellent quality and these bibs are no exception.

Comment on nacp722842's review:

Close but not quite...

Familiarity:
I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I am 6'4 and have a narrow waist and a 36 inseam. I gave these a whirl in XL, I typically wear L in most brands but have never tried a "pure" European brand. Initially, they fit great, I was even impressed with the inseam. Then I got on my bike and immediately the shorts went up a couple inches, exposing my beautiful hardworn farmer tan. Not cool.

I really wanted to like these shorts, they looked good and the chamois was really nice. What is strange, is that the legs have compression bands but little rectangular "rivets" of silicon on them, so I don't know if thats what made them not grip my legs. But they have compression bands, and I've never had shorts with the bands that rose up so quickly.